"I asked Tatum to make me something to eat. I didn''t have dinner tonight," Elora said.


    Mrs. Ormond looked concerned and said, "You didn''t eat anything? Why didn''t you tell me earlier? I would have asked Tatum to prepare something special for you so that you could have a nice meal as soon as you got home."


    "You are so picky with your food. Even the best chefs can''t stay in our house for more than a year or two. It''s good if theyst three months," she added, shaking her head. "What will you do if no one wants to apply for the job in the future? Are you nning to starve yourself? The other chefs in our house make delicious food too."


    She sighed, worried about Elora''s pickiness and what would happen if they ran out of chefs willing to work for them.Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    Elora was quiet for a moment, then said, "I can''t worry too much about the future. For now, I''m happy with Tatum''s cooking, and I haven''t grown tired of


    it."


    "Tatum''s only been here for a month," said Mrs. Ormond. "You might feel differently if he stays longer. How about we offer him a longer contract?" Elora thought it over. "Mom, Tatum is talented and ambitious. He doesn''t want to be limited to just our kitchen. He hopes more people can taste his cooking. If he stays for a full year, that would be great, but we don''t need to push for a longer contract."


    "If he wants to move on and focus on his own business, I won''t hold him back," Elora continued. "And if ites to that, we can always hire another chef. With so many skilled cooks out there, I''m sure we''ll find someone suitable."


    She paused and then added, "But of course, if Tatum agrees to stay longer, that would be even better. It''s too soon to think about it, though. He hasn''t evenpleted his first year yet. For all we know, I might get tired of his cooking in a couple of months." Mrs. Ormond was left speechless for a moment.


    "Mom, I''m going to take these things to my room," Elora said. "Tatum should have supper ready soon'' eat alittle and then go for a walk in the yard to help me sleep."


    She knew that eating too much would keep her awake, so she nned to have just a light snack to satisfy her hunger.


    "Alright, go on then," said Mrs.


    Ormond. I''m off to bed myself. Your


    dad hasn''te back yet, always


    out and about since he retired. I don''t know what he''s up to


    She sighed and went back to her room, still grumbling about her absent husband.


    Ten minutester, Elora sat down to enjoy the supper Tatum had prepared for her. It was just a small portion, enough to ease her hunger without making her too full.


    "Tatum, you don''t need to wait around. Go ahead and rest," Elora said kindly when she noticed he was still there.


    Tatum replied, "Miss, would you like somepany for your walk? I''m not ready to sleep yet, and I''d be happy to join you."


    Elora shook her head. "No, thank


    you. I prefer to walk alone, in peace."


    Tatum gave her a gentle smile. "Alright, then. I''m off for the night. Good night, Miss."


    "Good night," Elora replied softly.